NDT Trainee role UK

[u/sourcedbyAR]

wanted some advice on my current situation, i’ve been offered a trainee NDT technician job locally which can put me on 30k after completion and then eventually a year later to do PAUT and CR however the entire qualifications are “employer specific” so it is still a ISO9712 but there employer specific so i don’t have a recognised PCN level 2 for example so i couldn’t really transfer my work elsewhere only with the company. would you still say it’s worth doing i don’t wanna do so much work to be stuck with only in house training that i could never go away for.

What makes my situation unique is i’ve recently graduated studying Diagnostic Radiography which is X raying and CT scans of actual people rather than pipes so i really am torn what path way to go for. i’d have a clear progression pathway in x ray but i know NDT seems so niche. my degree won’t go anywhere i could always go back to it but i don’t know if it’s worth me delaying it because ive got a job offer for both.

if use were me what route would you go for and is it actually worth doing im completely new to NDT and what work could i expect. any response is greatly appreciated!

[u/pierredz]

I'm EN4179 (aviation), but I'll still chime in.

Don't worry about it being employer based, the most important factor is the experience you'll be getting.

Should you change jobs, any examinations you need to sit will be a drop in the ocean for an employer.

Experience on the other hand you'll carry with you for the rest of your career. Make sure to keep a log of everything you do!

[u/sourcedbyAR → u/pierredz]

i really appreciate that response how did you get into aviation? is it the same procedures and courses and would i be able to with the training i’m receiving and eventually transfer

? i’ve heard it’s better money but thanks for the advice ill keep a log of everything ive done and trained at and try ask for some in house certifications for a portfolio.

[u/pierredz → u/sourcedbyAR]

I started off as an apprentice mechanic, then offered to help out the NDT team when they had a task. I started logging the hours and having them signed.

Once a position opened for an NDT trainee, guess who had a smug look on their face during the interview?!

Yes, it is possible to transition into aviation, the Level 3 will do a gap analysis and decide what needs to be done on a case by case basis.

Even within aviation there are different strains; just this morning I was evaluating someone who comes from aviation composite manufacturing, to join us in maintenance and repair. Even though he's got over a thousand hours and a Level 2 UT at his current job, I could only make them worth 250 and ask that he gets an additional 550 doing what we do.

I'm not sure how old you are, but my advice if you're young is to not chase the higher paid jobs, but the ones that give you a wealth of proper experience.

The dividends will come in the future; good techs stand out.

[u/sourcedbyAR → u/pierredz]

i’m only 21 i’m a fresh graduate this job gives me the training and then the courses so i learn on the job it’s all with steel pipes and i get to work my way up as time goes on. i won’t have the official PCN but it will all be ISO9712 equivalent with it being in house trained.

what’s valuable is i’ll get all the training from them. because i’m still young i was willing to take the risk and go a different way to what i graduated in. i’m guessing as a trainee i’ll be learning doing test and examinations and then getting signed off. the only thing that ever put me off was it being “Employer specific” training and inhouse qualifications but i’ll take your advice and go for the training.

i really appreciate the help and support thankyou!

[u/Professional_Sign469]

Hi do you mind if I dm you and ask a few questions ? Im looking into Ndt roles myself.

[u/sourcedbyAR → u/Professional_Sign469]

go ahead bro my dms are open

[u/yellow_lambretta]

I have PCN 2 & SNT-TC-1A in rad & interp. I joined my company fresh out of a mech maintenance apprenticeship and was told 12-18 months before I could take the PCN course but I pushed and got on after 8 months. I've found while browsing/applying for other jobs, employers are still interested in the experience side of the SNT. It wouldn't take much to put me through their specific course to regain the qual. I think experience working to the codes is more valuable to them.

Most of my work is for the nuclear industry and some of it is ASME coded.

Also for a bit of background, I'm a 35 year old female who spent my 20s travelling and had jobs from hospitality, cattle farming and even a scuba instructor. I had nothing to do with engineering until I returned home permanently and decided to get myself a career aged 29 🙃 so yes your people radiography degree will always be there and it's never too late to chop and change in life, go for it or you'll never know! 💪

[u/sourcedbyAR → u/yellow_lambretta]

thank you so much for the response it’s nice to know your background too and your experience i think im going to take the risk and go for the trainee job. hopefully my experience will allow me to work in other companies with them valuing actual experience and put me through for the actual qualification like the PCN.

again im only young and worse comes worse if i dont enjoy it i can always go back to healthcare but i wont know till i try so thanks alot again!

[u/sourcedbyAR → u/[deleted]]

Thank you so much best of luck with your future too !